Raycast is a blazing-fast, extensible productivity launcher for macOS (and Windows beta) that replaces Spotlight with keyboard-first efficiency, AI-powered assistance, and thousands of community-built extensions.
What is Raycast?
Raycast is a native macOS productivity launcher that serves as a central interface for searching files, launching apps, running commands, and automating workflows. It takes keyboard input and produces instant results—be it a file, a web search, a clipboard entry, or a system action. Developed by Raycast Inc., it runs on macOS 13+ and is available in beta for Windows. The app replaces the default Spotlight with superior speed (<100ms responses) and a 99.8% crash-free rate, as claimed on the site.
Key Features
- AI-Powered Quick AI — Ask questions, get answers, and automate tasks using built-in AI models, accessible anywhere in the OS. Includes chat and custom AI Commands. Learn more
- Extensible Extension Store — Thousands of community-built extensions for tools like Linear, JIRA, Notion, Spotify, and 1Password, all controllable without opening the native app. Browse the store
- Clipboard History — Remember everything you copy; supports text, images, files, links, and colors, with search and pinning. Details
- Window Management — Snap windows to preset positions (left half, right half, quarters, etc.) with keyboard shortcuts. Details
- Snippets — Create text shortcuts to quickly insert frequently used phrases, addresses, or code. Details
- Quicklinks — Launch URLs, apps, or specific functions with a keyword; assign hotkeys or aliases. Details
- Calculator & Unit Conversion — Type math expressions and convert units directly in the launcher. Details
- Native Performance — Built with React and TypeScript, but compiled to native code for low latency and high reliability.
Who is it for?
- Developers — Manage JIRA issues, search Notion docs, run scripts, and control GitHub without leaving the keyboard.
- Designers — Access design tools, color pickers, and screen capture utilities like CleanShot X.
- Power Users — Automate repetitive tasks with AI commands, use snippets for common text, and manage windows efficiently.
- Teams — Pro plan ($8/month) enables shared extensions, team cloud sync, and admin controls.
What can you do with Raycast?
- Project Management — Create, search, and modify Linear or JIRA issues without opening the app. Linear extension | JIRA extension
- Music Control — Search and play Spotify tracks, albums, and playlists directly from the launcher. Spotify extension
- Notion Searching — Find and open Notion pages instantly, or create new ones. Notion extension
- Password Retrieval — Grab passwords from 1Password vaults without launching the full app. 1Password extension
How does Raycast work?
Raycast runs as a menu bar app that is summoned with a global hotkey (default ⌘Space). Users type to filter commands, apps, files, or extensions. Extensions are installed from the Store and leverage the Raycast API (React, TypeScript, Node) to provide custom functionality. AI features are available via a subscription (Pro) and can be used in chat or custom commands.
Pros and cons
- Pros: Extremely fast (<100ms responses); extensive extension ecosystem; built-in AI; keyboard-first design; 99.8% crash-free rate.
- Cons: AI features require Pro subscription; Windows version is in beta; some advanced features have a learning curve.
Pricing
Raycast is free for core features. Pro plan costs $8/month (or $96/year) and unlocks AI chat, AI commands, custom themes, enhanced clipboard history, and team features. Pricing page
Alternatives
- Alfred — Older macOS launcher with a different workflow and its own extension system.
- Spotlight — Built-in macOS search, but less extensible and not AI-powered.
- LaunchBar — Another macOS launcher with a focus on keyboard navigation.
FAQ
Is Raycast free?
Yes, the core launcher with built-in features (window management, clipboard history, calculator, etc.) is free. AI and team features require a Pro subscription ($8/month).
Does Raycast work on Windows?
A beta version is available for Windows. Download Windows beta
Can I create my own extensions?
Yes, Raycast provides an API using React, TypeScript, and Node. Developers can publish extensions to the Raycast Store. Get started
How do I get started?
Download from raycast.com, install, and press ⌘Space to open. Browse the Store for extensions.
What are the system requirements?
macOS 13+ (Ventura or later) for Mac; Windows 10/11 for the beta version.
